The question comes up often, and it has no single answer. Powder detergent has its strengths, liquid detergent too. What matters is to choose knowingly.
The strengths of powder detergent
Powder detergent remains, historically, the champion of very soiled linen and white linen. Its formulation includes optical brightening agents and sometimes percarbonate. On work overalls or boarding-school sheets, it is unbeatable.
On the other hand, it dissolves poorly at low temperature, and it is harsher on delicate fibres: silk, cashmere, fine wool.
The strengths of liquid detergent
Liquid detergent dissolves instantly, at all temperatures. It penetrates the fibre as soon as the drum fills, which makes it particularly effective on short and cold cycles.
- Universal compatibility: cotton, linen, silk, wool, synthetics.
- No residue: it rinses clean.
- Targeted action: it can be applied directly to a stain.
- Better preservation of colours.
Our verdict for household linen
For domestic use on quality linen, sheets, towelling, shirts, delicate linen, liquid detergent is the better choice. This is why Maison Marlaie chose the liquid format for its entire range.
And for very soiled white?
The right approach: use a liquid detergent as a base, and occasionally add sodium percarbonate to the pre-wash drawer for the cycles where it is needed. This is the method of modern hotel laundries.
A word on the fabric softener
Fabric softener is not optional for linen worn against the skin. This is what MÉMOIRE, our signature fragranced softener, does: a scent composed like a fine fragrance, and a silky hand.